Contributor jamesisin - Ubuntu brainstorm

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The Ubuntu community has contributed 21986 ideas, 135057 comments, 2615221 votes

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Contributor jamesisin

Nautilus to display more info while asking for copying existing file

Written by aufather the 9 Nov 08 at 04:07. Related project: Nautilus. Implemented

When I copy a newer version of a file, nautilus asks whether to skip or replace this file. But it does not provide any info other than the file name. It would be nice if it would at least provide the file sizes too. More info maybe accessible from a drop down button. Like modified time, owner, permissions etc. But these can be hidden and be accessible from a drop down button (like the button which shows progress of individual files during software installation). This will help the user to compare both the files and make an informed decision there itself. Instead of canceling the operation and then comparing both the files and then redoing the same operation.

260
votes

529
votes

202
votes

338
votes

229
votes

103
votes

95
votes

42
votes

Selected solution (#8): Previews of the files

Written by philip the 5 May 09 at 22:52.

The dialog should contain pre-computed views of the files, so you don't have to wait for (say) the spreadsheet program to load and open the files. The views should be about 100x100 pixels large and should show a cropped, scrollable view of each file. When the user resizes the dialog,, the preview areas should show more or less of the files. Or, a larger preview can show as a tool tip when the mouse hovers over the small preview.

45
votes

Selected solution (#9): nautulis: copy old file to trash before overwrite

Written by bgfeldm the 12 May 09 at 13:01.

add an option to move old file to the trash before overwrite.
nautulis:
move file to trash before overwrite, if file is a text or document file below a preconfigured size such as 1 MB.

This way overwritten files can be retrieved at a dept of one.
Or you could make the trash bin a temporary source repository for overwritten/deleted files, only storing the diff of the text files, so you limit space taken up by the trash bin and have multiple restore points for files. The repository will be clear every time the user clears the repository or after a defined amount of days.

56
votes

139
votes

25
votes

Selected solution (#12): Push transfers requiring user feedback to the end of the queue

Written by Redge the 8 Jun 09 at 00:07.

When doing file operations and Nautilus encounters conflicts or errors that require the user's feedback to resolve, Nautilus should first try to complete the rest of the queue and push the files needing feedback to the end. That way, if the user is AFK as much of the operation as possible will be done by the time he/she gets back.

-3
votes

37
votes

Selected solution (#14): Check files below a certain size

Written by korin43 the 18 Jun 09 at 20:58.

Decide on a on file size where it's faster to just check if it's an identical file than ask the user if they want to replace/skip. If the files with the same name are identical, we just skip them instead of presenting the replace/skip dialogue (since both options would have the same result).

Note: This would be a complete byte-for-byte comparison, not just a comparison of timestamps and name.

Here's the order that the system would check:
- Is there a file with the same name?
- Is it below the maximum size set to check? (we don't want to auto-check if it would be faster to ask the user. ex: 10 Gb file)
- Compare size
- Compare the two files (byte-for-byte), fail as soon as you find anything different (if the first byte of the new file is different, fail immediately instead of checking the whole file)

Note 2: Timestamps will not be compared. If the new file is identical with a different timestamp, the new timestamp should be applied.

21
votes

Selected solution (#15): Add "auto" option to replce/skip pop-up

Written by vegetarianshrimp the 19 Jun 09 at 19:03.

This gives the user the option to replace/skip if they already know whether the file is identical or not, or don't want to risk replacing an important file. But if they don't know if the files are identical, then they can press the auto button.

It would look something like this:

|Auto| |Auto all| |Replace| |Replace all| |Skip| |Skip all|

25
votes

Selected solution (#16): Show context for the differences

Written by Prime Mover the 2 Aug 09 at 21:50.

The dialog should attempt to show the differences between the files if they are in a recognizable format. For example, if the files are images, show both images, along with file size and date. This will allow the user to easily make a decision about whether to replace the file. The destination filename could also be an editable field to allow the user to change the name and have the copy continue under the new name. If the file were an audio file then it could display bitrate, sample rate, length, etc.

Here's an example dialog box from Directory Opus on Windows which demonstrates this:

836
votes

164
votes

62
votes

Selected solution (#19): Avoid overwriting the same file.

Written by pubsbin the 8 Aug 09 at 01:12.

There are some easy tests for checking if two files (in two different folders) are the same file. From the easy ones (metainformation, size, name), checking some positions (sampling) and, finally, comparing them entirely.

If Nautilus uses those easy equality checks, it could avoid copying equal files. Even if you compare the whole file, a read is faster than a write.

151
votes

Selected solution (#20): "No to ALL"

Written by don1500 the 12 Aug 09 at 20:20.

Most of the time I have this problem I run into it when moving music files. There is a "Yes to ALL" but no "No to All". All I want are the files that are on the source but not on the target. "Overwrite if Newer" is close and a good suggestion, but sometimes I don't want to overwrite the old file. Sometimes you want to overwrite the older version, and with "Yes to All" you still have that option. Maybe adding both "Overwrite if newer" AND "No to ALL" is the answer. I think this would be the easiest to implement. This is also the K.I.S.S. answer.

83
votes

14
votes

8
votes

Selected solution (#23): Advanced File Operations (AFO :D)

Written by Chronos the 29 Aug 09 at 14:46.

Create a more advanced "thread" based queuing system for file operations. Its possible to make it simple, no need to make it complex. Read below:

Seriously, in Total commander i used a lot the function to not just copy files at once and send the process in the background, but to push F2, and create a list of the operations where(!) the list is a queue. So the processes are not running at the same time to slow things down. We can even make this better. Imagine you have 4 drives. A B C and D. You want to copy 3x6 folders/files from A to B and vice versa. It takes long, so you start to copy/move/whatsoever to work on C and D (like before from C to D and vice versa). To make all these operations (4direction) run at the same time slows the computer slow down(no wonder why).

We could create two thread with two queues in this case.

In summary, A and B would process their queue, processing files the fast as possible, and separately C and D would do their things as well.

We could make it automatic maybe, that if we are making file operations to or from one partition/hardware, at default it would create a queue, what (with a push of a button) would appear from the already used window(dont know the name). This queue would make sure that only one operation is active at a time, making hardware sweat less, and operations faster.

[...]

Maybe i'll do a mockup if i have time.

This is just an idea, we can modify it.

Cheers,
David

32
votes

Selected solution (#24): Pile up a list of action needed files.(Use with Solution #1)

Written by yaknowwat the 16 Aug 09 at 09:07.

The list would list all the files that need conformation and let u handle them with check boxes. ( A Select All/None combo button and an Invert Selection button are a must for such a list. Then double clicking a listed directory should select all in the directory.)
Then by for example pressing Overwrite or a Do Nothing button the action would affect all selected files. After which you can continue such steps until the List is gone or the user exits.
I'd imagine this would be simple to do without over complicating things.
Also the number of dialogues could easily be reduced with this strategy.
This increases efficiency because a user could handle all the conformation files at once in their own way even as their still copying normal files.

6
votes

5
votes

Selected solution (#26): Add intelligent preview/comparison box to the Nautilus file replacement dialogue

Written by cajhne the 14 Sep 10 at 21:05.

Disclaimer: I worked this up before finding that my problem was a dupe of this thread, so don't yell at me for "duplicating" some ideas here. I've +1 promoted the ones that I came to the same or similar conclusions about. There's different stuff in here, so please read the whole thing! :)

It would be handy to show other relevant information based on the file type in a small preview/comparison area on the side of the replace notification dialogue. It would also be nice to have an in-dialogue "rename" function, where you could change the name of the file being copied rather than just the standard replace/don't replace option. Leave the defaults the way they are, but offer a drop-down of other solutions, as well as a preview box for the file. Text files could show the first few lines of the file (if permissions allow), the photo can show thumbnails, music can have the same (nifty) mouse-over preview in the file browser, etc.

The "intelligent" bit changes the options for replacement/renaming/etc based on the kind of file, and the kind of preview shown. Some handy alternate options might be "append" for videos/music/text files, which combines/concatenates two files into one, or "version" which simply appends an ordering number to the end of the filename (my_cat.jpg -> mycat_b.jpg)

I have worked up a visual on what I think this might look like if there's enough interest. :)

http://whitecatgraphics.com/ubuntu/nautilus_replace_comparison_dialogue.jpg

[...]

This example shows the standard file replace dialogue with my additions. The files under scrutiny are an old and new version of the same image. The desaturated, darker one is meant to represent an unedited photo, and the saturated one an edited version, which highlights the advantage/importance of being able to see samples of each to make the judgement.

Things to note in this sample:
1.The "replace all" option now has a drop-down menu below it, in which you can specify in what manner you want to "replace all".
2.The arrow between the two thumbnails indicates which is source and which is the destination (since some people in the world read from right to left. :))
3.The thumbnails act like thumbnails in the regular browser. Right-clicking on them could bring up options like "preview", "open with", "info", or "show in folder".
4.Selecting "Keep" under either sample will automatically set the other to "Erase", for ease of use. The "Save As..." option could bring up a box for the new file name, or alternatively, a standard "save as" dialogue as seen in GIMP, Open Office, etc, when you choose "Save As".
5.The green check-mark and the red "X" icon indicate which is being kept, and which is not. These change when "Keep" or "Erase" is selected.
6.After selection is complete, the user would then click the "Replace" button to perform the action, and continue the file copy/move operations.

I'm not married to any of the above components. If anyone thinks of a different/better way to do it, please post it in the comments section, and I'll revise this solution based on the suggestions. :)

I'm not proposing changing any of the defaults, just adding a box for more information, and a few more options to streamline the current replacement procedure.

It would be handy to show other relevant information based on the file type in a small preview/comparison area on the side of the replace notification dialogue. It would also be nice to have an in-dialogue "rename" function, where you could change the name of the file being copied rather than just the standard replace/don't replace option. Leave the defaults the way they are, but offer a drop-down of other solutions, as well as a preview box for the file. Text files could show the first few lines of the file (if permissions allow), the photo can show thumbnails, music can have the same (nifty) mouse-over preview in the file browser, etc.

The "intelligent" bit changes the options for replacement/renaming/etc based on the kind of file, and the kind of preview shown. Some handy alternate options might be "append" for videos/music/text files, which combines/concatenates two files into one, or "version" which simply appends an ordering number to the end of the filename (my_cat.jpg -> mycat_b.jpg)

I have worked up a visual on what I think this might look like if there's enough interest. :)

http://whitecatgraphics.com/ubuntu/nautilus_replace_comparison_dialogue.jpg

Things to note in this sample: 
1.The "replace all" option now has a drop-down menu below it, in which you can specify in what manner you want to "replace all". 
2.The arrow between the two thumbnails indicates which is source and which is the destination (since some people in the world read from right to left. :)) 
3.The thumbnails act like thumbnails in the regular browser. Right-clicking on them could bring up options like "preview", "open with", "info", or "show in folder". 
4.Selecting "Keep" under either sample will automatically set the other to "Erase", for ease of use. The "Save As..." option could bring up a box for the new file name, or alternatively, a standard "save as" dialogue as seen in GIMP, Open Office, etc, when you choose "Save As". 
5.The green check-mark and the red "X" icon indicate which is being kept, and which is not. These change when "Keep" or "Erase" is selected. 
6.After selection is complete, the user would then click the "Replace" button to perform the action, and continue the file copy/move operations.

I'm not married to any of the above components. If anyone thinks of a different/better way to do it, please post it in the comments section, and I'll revise this solution based on the suggestions. :)

I'm not proposing changing any of the defaults, just adding a box for more information, and a few more options to streamline the current replacement procedure.

6
votes

5
votes

Selected solution (#28): Additions to File Operations

Written by JohnLM the 15 Jan 09 at 21:46.

I thought it could scan for involved devices and queue by (configurable) default, if that device is in use (i.e. having copy or move operation already). And have a "Do now!" kind of button on file operation window for override.

Naturally it should never en-queue same partition's move operations, cause they are super fast by nature!

btw As far as I know the Nautilus' File Operations thingie is not really finished and is under development now!

9
votes

Selected solution (#29): Conflict dialog: say how many more conflicts there are

Written by philip the 18 Mar 11 at 20:07.

When you try to copy or move a bunch of files, and files with those names already exist in the destination folder, you get a dialog asking you if you want to replace the existing file or skip copying this file. You can also check a check box for repeating this operation on all other conflicting files.

It would be helpful to know how many more conflicting files there are. This can alert the user that he has done something wrong if he did not expect that many conflicts. It can also guide his decision to check the conflicts manually or click on the "perform this for all files" check box.

Getting more sophisticated, the dialog could even list the conflicting files when the user clicks on a drop down list.

12
votes

-1
votes

Selected solution (#31): Require the user to enter a sub menu.

Written by Darwin Survivor the 5 Mar 11 at 09:13.

Simply having gksu pop up every time a user tries to do something they aren't allowed to (edit a system file) is a quick way to a non-working system.

I propose we put gksu-enabled commands in a sub-menu (like how new-file lists a few file types). This will prevent users from simply converting to "enter your password until it works" people.

66
votes

20
votes

Selected solution (#33): Control the number of simultaneous op-s on a drive

Written by andrew.p the 19 Mar 09 at 21:28.

This is not a complete solution, but an addition to #2/#1.
I often miss an option to limit the number of simultaneous file operations on a drive (simultaneous file operations are not as quick as one-by-one sometimes).
Speaking about sol#1, it would be logical to have an option to queue file operation instead of performing immediately (name menu item "Queue Paste" & give it keyboard shortcut like Ctrl+Alt+V/Ctrl+Q/Super+V). Also it is a workaround for controlling the number of simultaneous file operations.

-4
votes

7
votes

Selected solution (#35): Click & drag priority management

Written by Ian Burnet the 11 Apr 09 at 03:11.

Being able to set the priority of ops would be really useful, but we also don't want to add too much to the interface.

I think the most user-friendly solution would be to:
1) Run only one op at a time automatically
2) Have a continue / pause button to force start, pause, and resume
3) Have the ops listed by priority (i.e. which was started first; which are running)
4) Be able to click and drag the progress bars up/down to switch the priorities

15
votes

See the 13 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 22 May 12 at 05:18) >>

Submit Your Idea button and Search box proliferation

Written by jamesisin the 6 Aug 08 at 03:40. Related project: brainstorm.ubuntu.com. New

Many of the pages on the site lack the two most important items of the site: the search box and the submission button.

Seems like these, especially the search box, should be ubiquitous throughout the site--as in on every page.

The search box is lacking on other post pages, which seems to be a logical place from which one might desire to launch a search.

The submit button is lacking on the search results page, and I can't imagine a more likely launching point for that button.

Thanks,

James

8
votes

Add a comment or propose a solution >>

Redesign the Ubuntu ShipIt Sticker.

Written by loneowais the 29 Jul 08 at 12:42. Global category: Others. Won't implement

The included Sticker with the Ubuntu CD is too large & kind of huge.

Please ship good ubuntu stickers witn the cd

The stickers background should not be white.. It should be transparent so that it'll look more professional on a laptop body, matching with the body color.

Possible options
1> Powered by Ubuntu Logos
Like this: http://blog.mypapit.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/after.jpg
or
http://shabbir.hassanally.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/ubuntu-sticker2.p ng

2> Just Ubuntu LOGO
like this:
http://www.shiftingheat.com/images/p1000212_sm.jpg

And remember.. background should be transparent

101
votes

251
votes

177
votes

724
votes

Solution #4: Alternative sticker design for laptop market

Written by tuxxy the 17 May 09 at 01:11.

An alternative sticker design is necessary and the user should be able to request either style sticker they require or Canonical could provide a number of each sticker design for the user. The new sticker design should be aimed at the laptop market so reduced size and with a badge style design, instead of the large white Ubuntu stickers currently supplied. Included below is a suggestion for the sticker design which is similar to the white System76, Inc. Ubuntu powered by stickers. These new stickers do not have to be white and could be transparent or metallic type. The second attachment illustrates the size of the suggested sticker.

106
votes

Solution #5: Ship in scalable graphic format

Written by TuxHHG the 22 May 09 at 15:42.

If i need funny ubuntu stickers, i download them and scale with oo-draw to exactly dimensions. The result was printed to adhesive folies like data becker / canson. If the graphics are big enough, every downscale is very exact. Upscaling need some other graphic formats like svg oder ps.
My solution: Distribute big or scalable graphics.

220
votes

See the 9 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 21 Apr 12 at 01:55) >>

Tweak Gnome System Monitor to eat less resources when running

Written by AFarris01 the 27 Dec 09 at 09:52. Related project: Gnome. Not an idea

gnome-system-monitor (System > Administration > System Monitor) is a fairly powerful tool, and enables users to conveniently view information about, and manage, processes running on their computers. The look and feel is also similar enough to tools available on other platforms that new converted users can feel reasonably comfortable using the tool.

The problem is that gnome-system-monitor is a terrible resource hog. Here on a reasonably fast computer (2.9ghz dual core, 4GB RAM, 64-bit) running system monitor means that I can't do anything else, until I close the program. It runs eating up a constant 70% CPU when doing absolutely nothing, clicking anything in the window results in unreasonably long wait times (if it responds at all), and keeping it open for any length of time results in tremendous amounts of RAM usage (RAM usage increases by about 50kiB/s so long as the window is open). This is all on default settings.

This problem is by no means new either. gnome-system-monitor has been broken in this way for the 3 years I've been using gnome, both on 32 and 64 bit systems, new and old hardware.

203
votes

62
votes

See the 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 Apr 12 at 07:53) >>

Allow quick-editing of external drive labels.

Written by tiede the 9 Apr 09 at 18:23. Related project: Device Manager (gnome). New

Currently, if one wishes to change the label for an external drive, say for example a simple USB Flash Drive, they must following this: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RenameUSBDrive

It would be better if such a simple task did not require extensive command-line usage...
A very easy, and quite intuitive way, would be to allow the user to select the drive in nautilus' My Computer window, and rename it from there.
Finding the filesystem type and using the appropriate command could then be executed in the background (read seemlessly), by the OS, or some handler application.

This helps the user in quickly identifying his external drives, either in his personal PC or elsewhere, as opposed to just selecting mount points with serial numbers, which would only work locally on his own computer.

48
votes

27
votes

-3
votes

See the 2 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 12 Apr 12 at 07:52) >>

New Theme for Ubuntu

Written by sparky11 the 4 Apr 08 at 21:15. Global category: Look and Feel. Implemented

I've used all of Mac, Windows, and Ubuntu, and have looked at all of their themes. Mac has the metal theme, whereas windows has the glass theme. Ubuntu has nothing in particular, just a rounded orange rectangle. This is not up to par with the rest of the operating systems. Ubuntu needs something more modern, and fresh, but still unique enough for someone to recognize it.

I personally like a theme along the lines of the Gommoso emerald theme (http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Gommoso?content=75530)
by usseldridge (its GPL)

I've tweaked the colors to match with the Glossy GTK theme, but someone could change the colors to match the orange style of ubuntu.That way, the theme won't be overbearingly orange, and still have ubuntu colors.

That theme is just my personal opinion, but i'm pretty sure that other people agree with me that the current ubuntu theme needs to be remade.

70
votes

266
votes

Selected solution (#2): murrine themes made for ubuntu

Written by slsolaris the 24 Feb 09 at 15:40.

replace Crux, Glider, Mist, Dust, Dust Sand and New Wave in ubuntu 9.04 with a new set of murrine themes with the same color, because we are going to be able to enable real transparency, beside some of those themes that we have know are ugly.
https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/384589/rgba-murrine-170208.png
This! is the future.

and make a package with those old and ugly themes themes, so people who still like them, can download it from Internet.

-9
votes

Selected solution (#3): Transparency != good design. Use a nice simple default theme and offer options.

Written by r0g the 25 Feb 09 at 10:33.

The default theme should be minimal in terms of bling and resources. What we have now is OK for most people although I personally think we could do with something a bit less chunky.

Those people who want more eye-candy can always download it. We should always bear in mind people use Ubuntu on old machines and in businesses and are consequently more concerned with getting their work done than having their desktop look cool.

-26
votes

80
votes

6
votes

31
votes

Selected solution (#7): Offer 3-4 looks, and an easy way to install new themes

Written by Craig73 the 20 Mar 09 at 19:46.

Everybody wants a different look, so hire a designer to polish up 3-4 of the popular looks out there right now (regardless of platform) to make the various groups of people happy. A designer is also in a better position to ensure the widgets, colour, etc, all blend into a polished final "style".

[I would suggest updating the lively Ubuntu theme, adding a "designer" (iUbuntu ;-) ) theme, and a cold hard polished dark theme, a warm light inviting theme)

Then enhance the theme dialog to allow users to easily customize it or get new ones (why can't I pick a pre-determined set of colours that work well together, why can't I download a new theme right from that dialog?)

[I edited this for clarity, I hope]

11
votes

9
votes

10
votes

Selected solution (#10): More volunteers for the Ubuntu Artwork Team!

Written by cheesehead the 20 Apr 09 at 23:02.

The goal of the "Artwork Team" is to produce artwork for the community side of Ubuntu.

The Artwork Team aims to enrich Ubuntu by designing high quality, original and beautiful themes to be available in the repo as an *alternative* to the default look.

We tend to work in small groups on themes, so alongside people with a strong vision who can lead a team, we need plenty of others that can work together to help polish a great complete, cohesive look.

This involves designers, packagers and GTK+ & QT themeing experts, and we could certainly do with a few more hackers.

Quoted From: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork

1
votes

6
votes

-6
votes

-21
votes

Selected solution (#15): Theme like jungle (Green and brown theme)

Written by soyporti the 8 Oct 08 at 17:15.

HOW ABOUT SOME LEAVES?
HOW ABOUT GIVING THE IMPRESSION OF A LIVING JUNGLE.

I like the wood theme, but i proposed a better approach:

LET'S GO JUNGLE!! :D
how about make an ubuntu theme with leaves? rocks? sand?
Green, black and brown?
Lets keep with nature.
Something unique, inspired on the river, the trees, the leaves, etc. But not to messy ok, remember that jeje.

Even when there are other distros are using green, Non distro is ECO Friendly.

Ubuntu For human Beings and Mother Earth.

-22
votes

62
votes

Selected solution (#17): Sky Theme

Written by maybeway36 the 23 Apr 08 at 19:17.

Ubuntu should ship with a few more themes besides the three Human variants and the GNOME defaults. I propose a sky blue theme. It would be based on Clearlooks, but use the Human window decorations (which will show up in blue), the Mist icon theme, and an appropriate wallpaper.
This can be done now by mixing and matching, but I think it should be a new optional theme in the next version of Ubuntu.

Here's a screenshot:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/5325/skyyy1.png
The background is from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Sc_2.jpg

-28
votes

-18
votes

11
votes

-1
votes

Selected solution (#21): make personas like theming apps

Written by melwin.a3 the 31 Aug 09 at 16:23.

Integrate Mozilla Personas (or similar applications) to gnome gtk-apps like banshee,nautilus,pidgin,etc..etc...So we can get better cool skins for gtk apps.

Mozilla Personas are lightweight(300 kb only), easy-to-install and easy-to-change "skins" for Firefox web browser.It has lot of cool themes.

more details, visit
http://labs.mozilla.com/personas/
http://www.getpersonas.com
under the MPL/GPL/LGPL tri-license.

0
votes

Selected solution (#22): Theme colour alternations between releases.

Written by Slug71 the 23 Sep 09 at 04:51.

So my idea is to alternate the theme colours for each release while maintaining the Brown/Orange.

Ever since i saw this one, i really liked it.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Karmic/Boot?action=AttachFile&do=view& target=mrdoob_madsrh_2.jpg

and figured that would be an awesome theme to go with for .04 releases. It has the Brown in it and since .04 releases are around spring time, the purple makes it a little bloomy.

Then for .10 releases have a Orange and Black theme.
.10 releases are in the Fall and right around Halloween which make those colours perfect and the Orange is in there.

This way both the Orange and Brown is used but theyre just separated by release.

And no other Distro does this.

0
votes

Selected solution (#24): Use Ubuntu Sun themes with a autochanger feature

Written by danielsouza the 23 Nov 09 at 10:43.

Ubuntu Sun is a new Metacity theme, proposed for Ubuntu Lucid Lynx 10.04. It brings the sunshine to your Desktop with it matching themes with different shades. If we can have these themes auto changed and with slow fading, by a to-be-developed feature, based on the real time Sun position, it can use GNOME Weather or user entered settings. Ubuntu will revolutionize the Desktop market and will bring more look and feel to his users.

Ubuntu Sun Themes: http://www.ubuntugeek.com/ubuntu-10-4-lucid-artwork-proposed.html#comments

0
votes

1
votes

-159
votes

Selected solution (#27): new look that isn’t brown for Ubuntu 9.10

Written by DLHDragon the 5 May 09 at 22:30.

Ubuntu and Canonical / others are
hunting for a new look that isn’t brown for Ubuntu 9.10...

my idea kept it simple...

all i did was change the brown to a blue ( #4365FF )
and make both panels half clear ...

...it use human + blue ( #4365FF )...

-- here are some screenshots..
http://tinypic.com/useralbum.php?ua=GkjB6otEl7daqLv0RZPQ4Q%3D%3D

http://tinypic.com/useralbums.php?u=FH0N87cgDG5u8wIHX4ZZrQ%3D%3D

http://i43.tinypic.com/nvzd5y.jpg

[...]

http://i39.tinypic.com/974dhe.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2enc8pf.jpg

----------------------

i will keep working on ideas for the New Look

gust keep looking at...

http://tinypic.com/useralbum.php?ua=GkjB6otEl7daqLv0RZPQ4Q%3D%3D

- and -

http://tinypic.com/useralbums.php?u=FH0N87cgDG5u8wIHX4ZZrQ%3D%3D

-27
votes

98
votes

Selected solution (#29): One color isn't good, try being a little more creative!

Written by jeypeyy the 6 May 09 at 15:41.

Let's make a comparison of different distributions. Say Ubuntu, openSUSE, mint and fedora (probably the most common).

Ubuntu: Not many colors in default theme. Mostly orange, brown and light gray (almost white). My ranking: 3/10

Fedora: Not many colors in default theme. Mostly blue and light gray. My ranking: 2/10

openSUSE: Little more colorful. Green, light gray and blue. The theme has very bad contrasts in the components, so my ranking is 4/10.

Linux mint: Many different colors. Black, green, blue, light gray... not very annoying to the eyes. My ranking: 7/10.

Although it isn't good having too many different colors, getting stuck in one special color isn't good either. Take some inspiration from Linux mint and KDE4, that's my solution.

251
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23
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34
votes

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votes

Selected solution (#33): A default non orange/brown theme

Written by daas88 the 27 May 09 at 23:39.

I've installed ubuntu on several machines of people who don't know a thing about linux, and they ALL have told me the interface was ugly. That's not a good start for a new user.
Make the default theme other than the horrible human theme please, no matter what they choose, please not the human theme!! The Dust theme looks like a nice option to me, and a nicer icon set, the default folders icons are ugly too.

36
votes

Selected solution (#34): Implement the current work (Humanity+Dust Extras)

Written by dael99 the 3 Jul 09 at 19:18.

Currently there IS a great theme and icon set on the wiki.

But, a fresh Ubuntu installation does not use the benefits from it.

My suggestion is to use the Dust Theme with slights variations:

Screenshot:
http://yfrog.com/0tpantallazoxp

Theme: Dust 0.4 + Dust Extras 0.4
https://code.launchpad.net/dusttheme/0.4/0.4.0
> Controls: Dust Burnt
> Metacity: Dust Bordered
> Active colour: #E6990E or an orange similar

Icons: Humanity
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/Karmic/elebuntu_Icons

[...]

Firefox: Dust Fox
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Artwork/Incoming/DustTheme

Gnome pannels:
Use the background from
/usr/share/themes/Dust/panel-background.png

Background:
maybe http://francois.vogelweith.com

This will still hold the Ubuntu colours and will implement long time work.

18
votes

Selected solution (#35): Gnome-Colors Project

Written by natewiebe13 the 27 Jul 09 at 21:03.

Reasons why it would be great to include by default. There is already a PPA for hardy, intrepid, jaunty, and karmic. This covers all of the bases: GTK/Metacity, Icons, GDM and Wallpapers. It is very frequently updated. There are 7 different color schemes to choose from and there is a script to input your own colors and it will generate a theme for you. Lastly, it is the best rated project on gnome-look so many people think it is great, besides me.

From the project page:

( http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show.php/GNOME-colors?content=82562 )

This is an extensive set of icon themes based on GNOME and Tango, with some inspiration from Human, Tango Generator, Elementary, and other open source projects. The project's goal is to integrate closely with gnome-icon-theme, while greatly expanding its available icons and allowing users to choose from 7 completely different and unique color schemes. With the additional source pack, an unlimited number of complete color variations can be rebuilt from source.

The icons and their color schemes are designed to complement my Shiki-Colors GTK Themes and their additional artwork.

[...]

There are 7 color variations: Brave (Blue), Wise (Green), Human (Orange), Noble (Purple), Wine (Red), Dust (Chocolate) and Illustrious (Pink).

GNOME-Colors consistently themes 99% of default icons + 1000's more in almost every popular linux distribution. Every single icon included in the set is drawn perfectly at each and all sizes, so you will never have to see a blurry icon ever again!

1
votes

Selected solution (#36): Get rid of the gray!

Written by Daeld1 the 22 Dec 09 at 13:41.

I agree with #3. In particular, I think we need to make the GUI attractive from the start. Partly this would be achieved by removing the awful conflict of brown and gray. In my ubuntu I have turned the gray into a light grayish-brown. I think the darker colours are also an improvement (ie brown rather than in-your-face orange). In this way it would be nice to have the some of the nice background images the right colour to fit in with the OS theme.

This is what I'm talking about:

http://img710.exs.cx/si.php?img=screenshot7u.png

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/7051/screenshot18y.png

Obviously, ignore the Compiz, emerald and cairo-dock in the pictures - I wish they were standard in the package, but I'm aware of the reasons why they are not...although I'm not sure that they're all that good :P

0
votes

Selected solution (#37): Get rid of the bottom bar!

Written by X-Seti the 17 Mar 10 at 13:57.

Things need to look nice and be simple.

Nice GUI with transparency options in the menus and windows would be a nice feature without having Compiz Fusion.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/3042/ubuntuidea.png < One of my themes.

I used to work on hacks for the Amiga Workbench, Many moons ago.

There are some nice themes knocking around the net for Ubuntu 9.xx, but there aren't many desktop hacks?

Why is this?

1
votes

Selected solution (#38): let's make a very professional theme for ubuntu 10.10

Written by slsolaris the 13 May 10 at 21:19.

I generated solution #2.
I do not have any problem with dark theme if we work on details... I do not liked ubuntu 10.04 official theme, it looks some how good UNTIL you see it working with open office and some other apps, which looks really BAD with, so please let's make a high professional theme for the next ubuntu version.

There are a thousand people who are making a really good work and it seems like you just don't see them.

This is a really good mod of the default ubuntu 10.04 theme:
http://leonardomdq.deviantart.com/art/Simple-Lucid-163950448?q=+sort%3Atime+ubu ntu+10.04&qo=30
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/133/7/1/Orange_by_Muy_Bien.png

1
votes

Selected solution (#39): Transparency a la Aero

Written by ws0d the 1 Dec 10 at 21:50.

http://conorsulli.deviantart.com/art/elementary-scrollbars-4-chrome-188112270

If we could have themes that supported that kind of look. Well, it would be awesome. Right now, Linux desktops are a joke against Windows 7. Transparent themes is the future. One needs just to change the wallpaper and you got an entirely new looking desktop with transparent themes. It's awesome.

3
votes

Selected solution (#40): Change default theme to Blaede22's Lucidity Emerald theme.

Written by Aspiring_Failure the 16 Jan 11 at 00:08.

I'm rather fond of that theme. It looks great, but It's also simple and elegant. It looks completely distinct from any of Window's or Mac's offerings, and would certainly be memorable.

I can see where it being an Emerald theme would be a problem, but if it's supported, I think the theme could be ported to Mutter quite well.

Link to the theme's gnome-look page:
http://gnome-look.org/content/show.php/Lucidity+Emerald?content=76676

0
votes

See the 11 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 3 Apr 12 at 01:52) >>

Configure Ubuntu Programs During Installation

Written by Klau3 the 27 Jan 10 at 20:15. Related project: Live CD installer. Won't implement

Installation process should give people the choice to select some standard programms.
Someone using Thunderbird as mail client doesn't need Evolution...
It is not about installing all kinds of programms during the installation process, but about selecting the most common programms easily.

The other thing is that a lot of people don't know that ubuntu can play DVD videos, because they just don't know about libdvdcss2, “ubuntu restricted extras” and how to install them.

Example: my parents cannot install libdvdcss2 without my help. This should change!

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Solution #14: Optional Microsoft Application Compatibility

Written by justintime03_2 the 9 Feb 10 at 02:13.

I know this sounds like heresy, but Ubuntu already has this in the repositories. Why not make it easier for new Ubuntu users to run their Windows applications. That's one of the biggest complaints I've heard. A lot of people don't know they can use WINE without digging around on the net. There's a lot who never know they have the option. Have the option to install WINE in the Configure Ubuntu Programs tool at first boot. I think this is crucial.

37
votes

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votes

Solution #16: not enough space, internet and other problems

Written by Goury the 12 Feb 10 at 10:54.

there is no problems to include this one to DVD
also there is one more thing needed - ability to install more than one app of any type
there is tons of ppls who uses chromium AND firefox because first is fast and second sometimes shows pages more accurate and have more extensions

also: do not include opera and chrome. include chromium and some other free (as freedom, not as beer) browsers

70
votes

73
votes

Solution #18: add network-manager plugins here

Written by Goury the 13 Feb 10 at 08:17.

90% russian internets is pptp vpn so option pptp must include needed packages to pptp-vpn plugin works in network manager (its stable enough)
many ppl in europes uses some oter vpn (i am not sure) so option to install oter vpn type is needed too

a lot of peoples uses wifis or something else to interneting
and we all know that ubuntu without internet is 99% dualbooting to windows or uninstalling - ubuntu MUST HAVE internet after installation so all interneting packages must be included at least to dvd, but on cd is good too AND thete must be option to install them - its very difficult task to noobs to install vpn or something else packages

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54
votes

Solution #21: Solution #3, but also include option to choose Office suite

Written by magallucas the 16 Feb 10 at 20:53.

Some people (including me) have a personal preference for certain Office suites. Include a chance to choose the preferred suite (OpenOffice by default) would also be interesting. The options could be KOffice, Lotus Symphony, etc..

Integrated to Solution #12, the idea is even more complete: Accessing "Favorite Applications", the User can change your kit software more easily after you install the OS. For example, to change the option favorite browser "Firefox" to "Google Chrome", the Software Center automatically uninstall Firefox and install Chrome, making it the default browser. Happen the same way with the other favorite applications.

In case if the User wants to keep the two browsers (Firefox and Chrome), usually just select the Software Center - as is currently done - so both will be installed. Then just go to "Favorite Applications" and switch to Chrome, which is already installed - Firefox would remain, but the Chrome would be the primary browser.

26
votes

14
votes

44
votes

0
votes

Solution #26: Not during installation, but in the Welcome Screen

Written by pazuzuthewise the 3 Apr 10 at 02:55.

I believe that this option for adding software during OS install that cannot possibly fit on a CD medium, and therefore necessitates internet connection, could end up in a failed install process if the connection fails, as could happen with a 3G connection during bad weather conditions.
I certainly agree that the options presented in Solution #3 should be presented to the user in an informative manner - who, especially if new to linux, would otherwise have no clue what to do to be able to watch a DVD, for example - but not during OS install, but integrated in the Welcome Window that appears at the first login, maybe having a link in it to the Add/Remove Software, which, in turn should have these options on a main page.

15
votes

-5
votes

Solution #28: Choose the applications from the website before download

Written by thipv the 9 May 10 at 23:12.

It would make the process more flexible letting us to choose the programs before getting the iso, creating a customized image. You would select everything from the system architecture (32, 64, ppc, arm...) to desktop environment (gnome, kde, xfce, lxde...) or special environments (moblin based, netbook remix...), suggesting their default applications for each one, and let you change or remove them and choose additional programs, even restricted ones, informing the restrictions.
This would also be good because you would always be getting the most updated packages.

5
votes

Solution #29: Solution #3, #21, #23 ... + User choise

Written by JasLicno the 12 May 10 at 23:26.

User should decide which program will use.solution is simple:
Configure programs during installation:
1. button - ubuntu suggested
2. button - user defined ... list of all available programs
+ (because is impossible to have that big source of programs)

after installing, program that will give you option to make a clone of your installation, so next instalation of your system will be faster and with 100% personal programs. (this is not my idea, I have read about this as option in one of linux distributions)

7
votes

Solution #30: enable account transfer

Written by switchgirl the 30 Jun 10 at 21:21.

enable a way of saving account details to ubuntu one so that one can transfer all your accounts (yahoo, hotmail,gmail icq... irc... jabber.. everything) to the new machine this will help with setting up of new machines - like if someone has a laptop, web book and other machines, they really down want to have to set up all the different accounts multiple times. i'm not suggesting emails as this is too much data but enabling people to sync account details, and passwords would be good and improve ubuntu installs

0
votes

See the 55 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Mar 12 at 21:01) >>

Make panel work better with multiple monitors

Written by bryhoyt the 21 Apr 09 at 20:33. Related project: Gnome. New

Currently, the panels appear at the top of whichever monitor is the primary monitor. That's ok, but it's a pain when you're using a program on your second monitor and you search around for the panel and it's not there! Only to realize that it's on the other screen.

62
votes

45
votes

Solution #2: Allow panel to be moved permanently to other monitor

Written by bryhoyt the 21 Apr 09 at 20:38.

You can currently create a new panel and drag it to the second monitor. But if you use a laptop that's not permanently connected to another monitor, as soon as you disable the second monitor, the panel returns to your primary monitor and doesn't go back to the second one when you re-enable it.

If you could mark a panel as "Permanently associated with this monitor", that would help matters significantly.

32
votes

10
votes

Solution #4: Have the panels span monitors

Written by andruk the 24 Apr 09 at 04:50.

Having two panels on each monitor means that the right edge of the panel on the left screen and the left edge of the panel on the right screen will be "touching", meaning that "Fitt" size of the touching buttons is much smaller (from infinite size to their normal size - look up Fitt's law). This completely defeats the point of putting any panel buttons in the corners, so just have an *option* to have the panels span the monitors. Look up Fitt's law and how it applies to screen corners for more information and rationale.

This can still work at different resolutions. Simply make the spanned panel/s have the same heighth/width (depending on orientation) on each screen.

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 13 Mar 12 at 13:49) >>

Use the new Ubuntu notifications to alert when hardware is detected

Written by christophski the 3 Jun 09 at 10:51. Related project: Gnome. Won't implement

At the moment, if I plug in a webcam or a USB mouse, there is nothing visual to say that Ubuntu has correctly detected the new hardware, to see if it's been properly detected, I have to actually start using it.

(wasn't sure what related project to put)

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Solution #5: Green popup=working hardware / Red popup=not supported, extra attention...

Written by walterav the 7 Jun 09 at 22:37.

It might give a "false assumption" that the hardware is also supported and directly working with ubuntu.

My suggestion would be that it gives a notification that is green/if the hardware directly works, it might fade away!

Other wise make the notification "red" with a extra dialog box that say's this hardware is not supported, or needs the following procedure, or something with cancel.

This idea can be combined with solution 1 / 3

-93
votes

Solution #6: Menu

Written by Mentalikryst the 14 Jun 09 at 22:05.

Give a menu that gives some information such as:

*Status
*Compatibility
*Type of Device
*Programs which use the device (So give Nautilus/Dolphin for a USB Flash Drive, Network Manager for a WiFi adapter, etc.)

The menu would fade away and would not be obtrusive, but would give the user information about the device and give options on what to do.

78
votes

Solution #7: Solution 1 + icon that provides configuration

Written by DaVince the 15 Jun 09 at 22:25.

It would probably be a good idea to have an icon pop up while a notification is shown, so that accessibility to configuration of this little tool is available. Anyone who doesn't like the notifications or wants to disable them for certain hardware will be able to do so by clicking this icon (a special configuration window will pop up).

The icon will automatically disappear shortly after the notification was shown.

3
votes

See the 28 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Feb 12 at 03:19) >>

New users tell that Ubuntu is slow (live sessions)

Written by zwyber the 8 Mar 09 at 19:55. Related project: Live CD. Won't implement

I tell my friends and family about Ubuntu and most of them come back telling me that Ubuntu makes their PC run very slow. They didn't know that you had to install Ubuntu to get the true speed.

I think that many people may encounter this problem, because when you run a live session it really just looks like it is installed. Because of the speed these users don't want to use Ubuntu and tell everyone they know that it is very slow.

1318
votes

Solution #1: Show (extra) notification.

Written by zwyber the 8 Mar 09 at 19:55.

Very plain and simple, show a (extra) notification, telling the user that they are running in a live session and that Ubuntu runs very slow now.

Why extra? If Ubuntu developers are going to create a welcome screen where they put this information some people are not going to read this. Just a small dialogue after the welcome screen has been closed would be nice.

OR

Put the message in the default wallpaper, easier but not really the best solution.

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Solution #13: Use UnionFS to our advantage

Written by deriamis the 4 Apr 09 at 18:40.

Since the majority of load times is in late-linking the libraries, why not have the often-used libraries in a ramdisk and use UnionFS to overlay those files on a path? In combination with pre-caching (#4), this could be a significant speed boost. If we combine it with using a LiveUSB distro (#11), we could be on par with the performance of the computer itself.

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Solution #16: Instead of notification write it in the background.

Written by ll the 6 Apr 09 at 03:52.

A modified background that includes a warning can be used instead of a notification. Many computers at universities that are meant for multiple users use the background to communicate a special procedure especially in libraries for catalogue searches. This will decrease confusion and not use as many resources as a notification (I assume).

14
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5
votes

Solution #18: Calc & disp speed-up performance on log-out based on sys's characteristics

Written by lackscr8ivity the 7 Apr 09 at 14:25.

When running the live session I would guess the memory, processor, hard disk read/write speed (maybe not this one), etc. system hardware & performance are evaluated.
As well, when running a program (game, OpenOffice, etc.) the CD read/write & load time could stored. Thus, when the user ends the live session, in the log-out window list some statistics: "These are the 5 programs you used the most:
From the live CD it took X-amount of real-time to load, but based on your system's hardware, if this were installed, we would expect it would X% faster."

58
votes

Solution #19: disabeling unnecessary services for the live-cd

Written by moose the 14 Apr 09 at 08:08.

So the live-cd shouldn't start services which are not neccessary for testing ubuntu (as some people use the live-cd as a secure system, services like cups are neccessary):

# anachron, atd, cron: I never used a live-cd longer than six hours - why should I create a cronjob?
# acpid, acpi-support, apmd, powernowd, powernowd.early: If I use the live-cd, I want to test if my hardware works and if the software fits my expections, not if the sleep option works.

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votes

Solution #24: Use the new notification system

Written by aroach31291 the 22 Oct 09 at 17:19.

Firstly, I think that many of the solutions above are solving the wrong problem. People that try out Ubuntu may think that it is installed by just inserting the CD. The user may have no idea that they are using a LiveCD. After they discover that Ubuntu is "slow", they give up and reboot back into Windows. Notifying the user that they haven't installed Ubuntu yet would be the best way to solve this problem.

Utilize the new notification system. Have it simply display a message when the desktop has finished loading similar to:

Ubuntu is not installed yet! Feel free to use Ubuntu before installing it, but beware that it may be a little slow. If you like what you see click the install icon on your desktop!

2
votes

Solution #25: Show notification when system is waiting for CD drive

Written by mikko.rantalainen the 7 Oct 10 at 06:45.

Live session from USB/flash memory should be pretty okay even today but the real problem is accessing files from optical drive. Even there, the problem is latency, usually not the bandwidth.

The live session should run a small background service that displays a notification message when system is waiting for CD drive to access required data. The message could be along the line "Reading data from CD (installing on the hard drive would improve performance)" [however, the label should not claim to be reading CD if one is booting from e.g. usb memory stick]. The notification should be displayed if read command has waited in disk scheduler queue for more than a second.

This could be extended to deal with installed system, too. It would make sense to point out bottlenecks in the system to the user. If the system feels slow and a notification pops up that says "Waiting for disks (installing a fast SSD drive would improve performance)" would give a reasonable hint to the user which hardware upgrade would help the most. This could be even further extended and a similar notification should pop up if all CPU cores have been taken for more than 5 seconds ("Waiting for processor (upgrading the processor would improve performance)").

See the 19 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 19 Feb 12 at 03:08) >>

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